CHIEF EXEC'S VIEW HUDDERSFIELD

By the time you read this on Saturday before the game against Huddersfield, the transfer window will have closed and once again everyone will have taken a view on the dramas over the last few days.

It is important to note as I have said before that dealings in the transfer market are like playing multi dimensional chess, where quite often the next move of your opponent is dependent upon another set of games they are playing with other multiple opponents.

In the world of 24 hour media coverage this is hugely frustrating for everyone concerned, but in particular the fans because they never have all the facts and can only see a two dimensional game being played.

It is for this reason that I have been consistent in my policy of not saying anything about potential dealings until I have something definite to say.

Commenting on speculation only fuels the debate, adds to the frustration of the fans and potentially can be extremely counterproductive to any further negotiations that may or may not take place. Because of much of the above, fans seldom have all the facts on which to make an informed judgement, but I genuinely believe that this policy continues to be the right way to do business and is in the best interests of the Club.

At the time of writing this column new signings this season have included Scott Loach, Luke Chambers, Guirane N’Daw, Massimo Luongo, Elliott Hewitt and Daryl Murphy. Who else we can add before the deadline at 11.00pm on Friday only time will tell, but it won’t be through any lack of effort and we continue to negotiate on a number of different fronts.

One area of particular frustration to me is the lack of progress we have been able to make with the eight clubs Cheick Kourouma has been involved with since the age of 12. Despite none of these clubs offering him a professional contract, under the relatively new FIFA compensation regulations, we could be liable for nearly 250,000 Euros compensation to these clubs. Despite some of these clubs not even having any record of Cheick having been there, the mere sniff of compensation from a English Championship club has suddenly got them all very excited.

Unfortunately unless they waive their rights we will not be able to sign the player and his professional career here will be ended even before it has started. Hugely frustrating for everyone, not least the player who finds himself as 'piggy in the middle'.

Today we welcome Huddersfield Town back to Portman Road for the first time since February 2000. Whilst there will be some disappointment not to be able to give a warm reception to former Town player Jordan Rhodes, I’m sure this will be a relief to many!